Defensive switch | The Pirates abandoned their 4-3 for a 3-4, and why not? Last season ECU ranked last nationally in total defense (478.8 yards per game) and second-to-last in points allowed (44.0 per game).

Non-conference schedule | The opener in Charlotte against SEC East favorite South Carolina and home games against defending ACC champ Virginia Tech and state rival North Carolina will be chores.

Late fade | ECU opened 5-2 last year, a start that included harrowing wins over Tulsa, Southern Miss and N.C. State. But the Pirates closed 1-5 and barely qualified for their fifth consecutive bowl.

THE STANDOUTS

Dominique Davis

Sr. | 6-3 | 210 | QB

Boston College transfer passed for a school record 3,967 yards and 37 touchdowns last season. ECU ranked eighth nationally in passing offense and 16th in scoring.